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Nomad guide and horse at ol malo

Bucket List Holidays

You know the drill. We can all think of reasons why not to do something. However, here at Turquoise, we are all about turning that mindset around and helping you find a way to make even the wildest of dreams, become a reality. Whatever you’ve got on your holiday bucket list, we are here to help and make it happen. Our team of dream makers know how to make the seemingly impossible, seamlessly possible. We have the contacts, the knowledge and the advice, to fill your holiday bucket list to the brim with Turquoise adventures. We asked our team for their bucket list top ten…

1. Cricket in Antigua

Noisy, colourful and extremely fun, nicely summarises a day out at the Sir Vivian Richards stadium, watching cricket whilst on holiday in Antigua. Entertainers in carnival outfits weave in and out of the busy bar, seemingly only serving rum and beer. A party with cricket at the centre, whatever the score in today’s play, you’ll be dancing under sun, until the stars come out at night.

When – The cricket season in Antigua runs between January and July

cricket grounds in Antigua Sir Vivian Richards Staduim
Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium in Antigua
very old cricket bat on the beach in antigua

Where to Stay

Blue Waters cove view suite overlooking the pool and sea

Blue Waters

Since first opening its doors in 1960, this friendly, family-owned resort has been treating guests to a sublime slice of paradise for over 50 years.

aerial views of the beach at carlisle bay

Carlisle Bay

Carlisle Bay epitomises the perfect ideal of a luxury Caribbean resort. To the rear a tangle of emerald green rainforest and to the fore, a crescent of white sand beach licked by the warm Caribbean Sea.

2. Singapore Grand Prix

One of the most heralded circuits of Formula One, the Singapore Grand Prix is a holiday bucket-list must. Whether a self-proclaimed petrol-head or simply a lover of Netflix’s ‘Drive to Survive’, start or end your holiday with a few nights in Singapore to coincide with this adrenaline-fueled event.

When – Changes each year but always around mid-late September/early October

formula 1 racetrack Singapore
Marina Bay Singapore
Singapore Skyline

Where to Stay

Views from the rooftop pool at Parkroyal on Pickering

Parkroyal on Pickering

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering opened is one of Singapore’s most exciting hotels. It has an impressive urban award winning design with green leafy environs, a welcome oasis from the city. Three glass towers are fused by stepped layers of curved terraces. Hanging plants and vertical gardens present a stunning view from outside which is re-created on the inside. A 15,000 m² sky garden connects the three towers and contains a large swimming pool with spectacular views.

Waterfront views in the sunset at The Fullerton Bay Hotel

The Fullerton Bay Hotel

The Fullerton Bay Singapore is the newest addition to the Marina Bay waterfront and has fast become a Turquoise favourite. Offering spectacular views of the bay and the Singapore skyline and located right in the heart of the Central Business District and the Arts and Cultural precinct, and within easy reach of the main shopping malls of Orchard Road, this really is the place to stay in Singapore.

3. Kite Surfing in Mauritius

During the Mauritian winter months, the East coast boasts some of the best kite surfing conditions in the world. You can expect a constant breeze of around 20 knots, the perfect wind strength for beginners through to experts. Temperatures average around 24 degrees during the day and all the equipment you need is available to rent.

When – The best wind conditions can be experienced between May and November

Kite surfing off the beach at Alfajiri Villas
Kite surfing, Hotel 20 Degrees south, mauritius

Where to Stay

Verdant, lush gardens envelop the luxury villas at LUX* Le Morne, Mauritius

LUX* Le Morne Resort

Located in a historic setting against the striking backdrop of the majestic Le Morne Brabant Peak – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – LUX* Le Morne Resort is situated on one of the most beautiful corners of the island and surrounded by white sandy beaches and a calm sparkling lagoon.

4. Charter a boat in the Komodo’s

Visit the last dragons to roam the earth, from the comfort of your very own yacht. Step back in time onboard a traditional Phinisi Schooner and absorb the breath-taking wildlife, wilderness and secret beaches of Komodo National Park.

When – Visit in dry season for long sunny days, between April and December

Beautiful turquoise water at Komodo Island
Komodao dragon on Komodo Island
Komodo island beautiful red sunset
Sandbank views from sea at Komodo Island

Where to Stay

Komodo National Park

Komodo Island Cruise

One of the best ways to explore the spectacular Komodo Islands is by yacht. There is so much more to these islands than dragons - you’ll stop of on remote beaches, see contrasting landscapes, and snorkel on pristine reefs. We’d recommend at least three nights to see the best of the islands at a leisurely pace and most luxury yachts will insist on a minimum of three nights or more. We work with many different boat operators, catering to different budgets, and can also offer shared cabin cruises which is a wonderful way of exploring the islands, sharing your experiences with others.

5. Coral planting in Maldives

Since the late 1990’s marine biologists have been planting and growing coral reefs in the warm turquoise waters of the Maldives. A country which has suffered hugely from coral bleaching as a result of global warming, each islands coral regeneration programme is vital to ensure the future of this beautiful country.

When – The warmest, driest conditions can be found between January and April

Seychelles Alphonse snorkelling coral reefs
Ayada Coral Reef
A Park Water Villa sits over beautiful corals in the warm Indian Ocean at Park Hyatt Hadahaa, the Maldives

Where to Stay

Baros Maldives piano deck

Baros Maldives

Small, yet perfectly formed, sums up the beautiful Baros – a tiny picture-perfect island floating within the North Malé Atoll. Getting there is easy – it’s just an exhilarating 20 minute speedboat transfer from the airport.

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Gili Lankanfushi

Offering the ultimate in understated Maldivian luxury, this acclaimed hideaway has been wooing honeymooners and those with a yearning to discover their inner Robinson Crusoe for years. For sheer romance, Gili Lankanfushi is hard to beat.

6. Hike through northern Thailand

Even the most experienced of hikers will be in awe of the undulating expanse of thickly forested mountains which border Laos and Myanmar, in northern Thailand. Journey through ancient hill tribe villages, visit iconic Buddhist temples, walk amidst the land of elephants. A hiker’s hidden gem that should be on every boot lover’s bucket-list.

When – Visit between November and May to avoid the monsoon rains

Beautiful elephants face at Four Seasons tented camp
Exterior views of Four Seasons tented camp
Elephants kissing at Four Seasons tented camp
Arriving on boat at Four Seasons tented camp
Beautiful elephant at Four Seasons tented camp

Where to Stay

Green grass courtyard at Tamarind Village

Tamarind Village

Located in the heart of Chiang Mai, Thailand’s cultural hub, Tamarind Village is a charming and unique Lanna-style boutique property.  Found at the end of an inviting bamboo lined driveway just off one of the main streets that runs through the walled old town of the city, the resort is typically northern Thai architecturally set around a series of garden courtyards.  One of the courtyards is home to a 200-year-old Tamarind tree from which the resort takes its name.

Swimming pool with river views from Anantara Golden Triangle

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

Simply one of Northern Thailand’s most elegant, stylish and luxurious hotels, the Anantara Chiang Mai combines the facilities of a luxury hotel with a highly convenient location, just a five minute walk from the famous Night Market. The site itself was home to the former British Consulate and thus enjoys one of Chiang Mai’s prime locations, on the banks of the Mae Ping River. The main Consulate building dates back to the 1920’s and has been integrated into the hotel – it is now the location of the stylish restaurant, whose leather chairs and colonial style afternoon tea are designed to recreate the British club feel.

7. Cycling in Vietnam

Road cycling journeys are soaring up the holiday bucket list charts and for those who love their road cycling, Vietnam offers a treasure trove of varied routes for all abilities. Cycle the central coast, climb the northern mountains between Hanoi and Sapa or enjoy leisurely heritage tours on a multi-city adventure.

When – Avoid the monsoons and scorching hot weather between November and February

Hoi An
Halong Bay
Van Long Reserve, Ninh Binh
Mekong Delta

Where to Stay

Anantara Hoi An exterior in the day

Anantara Hoi An

Located a short stroll from the heart of Hoi An and only a 30 minute drive from the Cua Dai beach overlooking the South China Sea, the elegant Anantara's riverside location is an ideal base from where to explore the charming UNESCO World Heritage old town, full of restaurants, cafes, shops and wonderful cultural sights. This spacious and relaxing resort was built in classic colonial style around a courtyard very much in keeping with the historic flavour of Hoi An. Rooms are simple, minimalist and chic, with a contemporary blend of wood furnishings and natural colours.

Exterior views around the swimming pool at Tam Coc Gardens

Tam Coc Gardens

This charming boutique hotel has beautiful setting in the middle of rice paddies, surrounded by waterways and spectacular limestone karst scenery, it is remote and beautiful and nearby Tam Coc town is just 10 minutes’ drive away. Just one and a half hours south of Hanoi but a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city, we would urge anyone looking for a few days to discover some of Vietnam’s most understated, but beautiful scenery to visit Ninh Binh Province. It is the perfect retreat for a few days chill out in the midst of your Vietnam journey and guests can drive to Halong Bay from here, making it an easy addition between Hanoi and Halong Bay.

8. Horseback safari in Kenya

Ride alongside zebra, gallop alongside giraffe and camp under the great African skies, after a long day in the saddle. Kenya is the birthplace of the horse safari, and its mobile camping or fixed accommodation day rides cater to all abilities and adventure levels.

When – Game viewing is best between July and September, coinciding with the wildebeest migration

Horse riding safari with giraffe from Lewa Wilderness bush home
Horse riding safari at Ol Malo
Horse Riding with Elephant at Ol Donyo Lodge
Horse safari from ol Malo
Nomad guide and horse at ol malo

Where to Stay

olDonyoLodge decking area view point

ol Donyo Lodge

ol Donyo Lodge – a Turquoise favourite - offers an exclusive, eclectic safari experience, rich in history and conservation. It lies in the spectacular Chyulu Hills in south-east Kenya, in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Lewa Wilderness 2026

Lewa Wilderness

Situated near Mount Kenya, Lewa Wilderness is one of Kenya’s original bush homes. Guests enjoy a very personal experience where your base is the Craig family home which has been passed down through the generations.

9. Wine tasting in Franschhoek

Dubbed the culinary capital of South Africa, Franschhoek, just 70kms from Cape Town, is home to some of the world’s most coveted vines. The Dutch colonial architecture stands proud amongst many of the region’s farms and vineyards, with a mountain backdrop that makes this wine tasting haven simply picture perfect.

When – Secret Season is May to September, the locals favourite. Peak season is October to April.

Wine cellar at Babylonstoren packed with full barrels
Farmers at Babylonstoren
The wine production line at Babylonstoren
Beautiful farm views from the Koppie in the heart of the Cape Winelands
Wine and food on rustic platter at The Last Word Franschhoek

Where to Stay

Babylonstoren lavender and waterblommetjie by ponds, Family photo

Babylonstoren

Artisanal charm and chic organic living have reached the heart of the beautiful Winelands in the form of Babylonstoren, a stunning and historic working wine farm just under an hour's drive from Cape Town.

10. Cruise the Kimberley coastline

Wild and remote, the Kimberley in Australia is three times the size of the UK, located in the northern part of Western Australia. Its beauty must be seen to be believed and the best view of this magnificent area is from the water. Enjoy cascading waterfalls, Aboriginal art, pristine gorges and an abundance of swimming holes.

When – Dry season, between May and August when temperatures and humidity are low

Kimberley Scenery
True North Cruises beach picnic in Kimberley, Australia
Broome Headland
Driving on Gibb River Road
Australia's North West Beaches

Where to Stay

Beautiful sunset over El Questro Homestead in The Kimberley, Australia

El Questro Homestead

Truly one of the world’s last remaining wild frontiers, El Questro boasts a million acres of awe-inspiring and remarkable scenery in the heart of the ancient Kimberley Outback in the far north of Western Australia (100kms west of Kununurra).

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Make it Happen

Don’t just dream about it. Start planning the holiday you’ve always wanted and let our specialists help make it happen.